Kanjorski Opens 'Help-line' To D.c.

January 03, 1985|The Morning Call

U.S. Rep. Paul E. Kanjorski, D-11th District, who will be given the oath of office at a noon ceremony today in Washington, has announced a toll-free "help line" to his new office in the nation's capital.

The new congressman from Nanticoke said constituents may reach him by phoning 800-222-2346.

Kanjorski said, beginning today, a team of caseworkers will be available to service the "help line." He said the staff members have been instructed "to move quickly, courteously and deliberately to cut through bureaucratic red tape to solve any problems 11th District citizens may have with the federal government."

Kanjorski named Rebecca E. McCumber, a Capitol Hill veteran of 15 years who previously worked for former U.S. Rep. Allen Ertel of Williamsport and Harrison, as chief caseworker in his Washington office.

She also will supervise the local "help line" group, which will consist of James Burns of Kingston, Elizabeth Gobia of Mountaintop, and Philip Struzzeri of Pittston.

He said all four members of his staff are "people oriented." Burns and Mrs. Gobia have been teachers; Struzzeri was involved in human service programs and Mrs. McCumber is a caseworker specialist.

The Democratic congressman said, "My recent election to the House leadership panel - the Democratic steering and policy committee - will enable me to do more legislatively than most first-termers, but no freshman representative can expect to set the world on fire passing laws. Seniority is needed to do that.

"But all congressmen are created equal when it comes to resources to help the people they represent. We all get the same amount of staff funds, access to government agency information and the like.

"By dedicating a good chunk of my staff and money to the help line, I am ensuring that the people of the 11th District will get swift action when they come to me for service," Kanjorski said.

Kanjorski defeated Democrat U.S. Rep. Frank Harrison of Wilkes-Barre in the primary for his party's nomination and then defeated Republican Robert Hudock of Hazleton in the November election.